Author: Julie Pollard
Source: Experience Nicola Valley
Bird watching in Canada is a favorite past time for thousands of people all over the world. It is no different right here in Merritt and the Nicola Valley.
Birdwatching and Birding in Merritt BC Canada has a dedicated following throughout the Nicola Valley. It only makes sense, as Merritt birding environment is enjoyed on our rivers, throughout our grasslands, rolling hills, forests, in our parks and on our hundreds of wilderness lakes. The beautiful landscape and the mild weather in Merritt BC makes for ideal conditions for birders and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a great day of birding year round.
Locally, the Nicola Valley Naturalists, are our resident birdwatching experts. They are often getting together to discuss the Merritt bird population and any recent bird sightings. Every year the group participates in bird counts as well. The goal of a bird count is to document any increases and declines in the local birding numbers, and any rare bird sightings.
People from all over Canada and the world are into birdwatching adventures. British Columbia is well documented as one of the top birding destinations in Canada.
"11% of British Columbians were most likely to have bought bird books, binoculars or travelled to watch birds." Stats Can
When birdwatching in Merritt BC some of the bird species to watch for when exploring the Nicola Valley include:
Red-tailed Hawks, Pine Siskin, Northern Shoveler, Red-breasted Merganser, American Coot, Merlin, Pygmy Nuthatch, American Wigeon, Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Harrier, American Dipper, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Great Horned Owl, Tundra Swans and Trumpeter Swans.
